An exceptional and beautiful plexi Daytona spyder conversion by Straman

CAR HIGHLIGHTS

Top-Quality Spyder Conversion by Richard Straman

Outstanding known provenance from new; converted 1979

Fresh expert restoration by Automotive Restoration, Inc.

Rare 'Euro' Plexi nose model; factory air conditioning

Never before offered for public sale; excellent long-term care

TECHNICAL SPECS

Serial Number:

13933

Engine Number:

Original

True Mileage:

46,000

Estimated Value:

$650,000.00

-

$750,000.00

OVERVIEW

A top-quality Daytona Spyder conversion performed in 1979 by the acknowledged experts at R. Straman Co. Original LHD 'Euro' model with outstanding provenance including noted collectors. Expertly maintained and freshly restored. Stunning throughout and an exceptional opportunity, never before offered for public sale.

Regarded by many as the ultimate V-12 Ferrari Berlinetta, the 365 GTB/4 is an instantly recognizable icon today. Launched at Paris in 1968, the new model was unofficially named 'Daytona' in celebration of Ferrari's electrifying podium sweep there in 1967. The nickname was certainly warranted, given the performance potential delivered by the new model's 352-bhp DOHC 4.4-litre V-12 engine breathing through a sextet of twin-choke Weber carburetors, While many questioned Ferrari's claimed 174-mph top speed, it was confirmed by a succession of road tests, including the infamous Road & Track photograph with their test car's speedometer at 180 mph, with the reading corrected to 173 mph. The era's top film and rock stars clamored for one of their own. And rightly so, as Le Mans-winning Ferrari driver and journalist Paul Frère stated, "If you go faster, it's the engine that makes the music, the finest music of all to the ears of the enthusiast and the music he can enjoy in a well-sprung car, fitted with such amenities as electric window lifters, air conditioning and a really capacious luggage locker - a Grand Touring car par excellence."

While intended primarily for the road, the 365 GTB/4 enjoyed a highly successful front-line racing career with victories including the Tour de France and two class wins at Le Mans and Daytona. Of all its wins, though, the electrifying class victory/second overall scored by Tony Adamowicz and John Morton at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1979 - over 10 years after the car was first introduced - stands as the Ferrari's finest achievement.

In addition to the handsome Daytona Berlinetta, a limited run of 121 365 GTB/4 convertible "Spyders" were factory-built by Ferrari. With their achingly beautiful bodylines, demand predictably outstripped production, which created a market for expert-quality conversions of 365 GTB/4 coupes into the more glamorous open-top Spyder form. Custom coachbuilders, specializing in Ferraris, heeded the call. Among them, likely the best-regarded is the R. Straman Co. of Costa Mesa, California, which had already provided its bespoke services to some of Ferrari's wealthiest and most discerning clients. Notably, the Straman company is renowned for producing some of the best-quality Ferrari conversions on the market using actual Ferrari components in the process. Numbered 13933, this Straman-converted example is quite likely one of the finest Daytona Spyders - factory-built or subsequently converted - available today.

This left-hand drive, European-specification example, numbered 13933, was factory-equipped with air conditioning and delivered new to Clarke Simpkins, a Ferrari dealer in Vancouver, British Columbia. This Daytona was converted in 1979 by Richard Straman during the ownership of renowned Ferrari collector Carl Cantera. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Algar Ferrari acquired 13933 during the early 2000s and sold it to John Oppenheimer, who owned it briefly before Chuck Wray of D.C. Grand Touring brokered a deal allowing Roshan Siva of Vermont to purchase 13933. Under Siva's ownership, 13933 won Best Interior at the inaugural 2009 Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival. The vehicle was later sold to Steve Frary, from whom the current owner acquired it. In January 2016, 13933 received a full restoration, featuring installation of a new top and fresh new Italian leather interior, plus a pristine new paint finish, with the work performed by Automotive Restoration, Inc. in Stratford, Connecticut at a cost of $108,450. Over the course of this great vehicle's 46-year history, it has been driven only 73,984 kilometres (roughly 45,971 miles) at the time of writing. Importantly, 13933 has received expert service over the past two owners and the last 20 years from Peter and Steve Markowski at RPM in Vermont, which enjoys a stellar reputation among collectors and enthusiasts.

Recently restored by renowned specialists Automotive Restoration, Inc. in Stratford, Connecticut, this rare Straman Daytona Spyder conversion is a sterling example of Ferrari's classic combination of style, elegance, and raw power. In its current state, 13933 is in pristine concours-ready condition and mechanically sorted with the legendary V-12 engine running as new. Never offered publicly before, this exceptional Daytona is equally suited for display at top shows and concours events and of course, spirited drives on a favorite stretch of road with the top down and the engine providing the perfect soundtrack.